Best Jigsaw Blades For Woodworking

Best Jigsaw Blades For Woodworking

What are the best jigsaw blades for your woodworking project? It is vital that you pick the right blade for accurate cutting of anything from wood flooring to worktops when it comes to woodworking. If you are looking for the best jigsaw blades for woodworking (and how to land the most suitable Jigsaw for your needs), worry not. This post will help you learn about the best jigsaws for woodworking available and the factors to consider to ensure you buy the best option for your needs.

From picking the jigsaw blade with the appropriate number of saw teeth, bimetallic option, or HSS (high-speed steel), to metal and wooden blades, below are top tips for a smooth cut!

But first…

About Jigsaws and Blades:

Jigsaws are handy power tools commonly used to make cuts with an odd shape or curve. These tools come with a unique reciprocating blade (usually 6.35mm/ ¼ inch wide), although some rare models come with a ½ inch (12.7mm) width.

The jigsaw blade reciprocates in a standard up and down motion, subsequently cutting in an upstroke movement. This renders this accessory a decently safe tool since the cutting blade always pulls the Jigsaw into the wood (or other material).

Important Features of Jigsaw Blades for Woodworking:

1. The number of cutting teeth

The jigsaw blade’s cutting edge is expressed as follows: the number of cutting teeth to the inch or cm (1 inch= 2.54 cm). Jigsaw blades have different teeth options ranging from fine/medium, solid, straight, or set. In most jigsaw blades, the cutting teeth are designed in a triangle facing up.

2. Blade material:

Jigsaw blades are made of diverse materials made of different components. Ideally, these blade tools feature unique compositions to suit various cutting needs and provisions, as outlined below.

  • HSS (High-Speed Steel): found in drill bits. made using high-grade, hardened, high-speed steel to easily cut harder items like aluminum, non-ferrous metals, and metal

  • BIM is made of a unique bi-metal bond (HSS and HSC materials) suited for high-demand cutting tasks. Due to its extremely elastic bond, the blades are used to cut abrasive wooden pieces, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, hardwoods, rigid plastics, etc. HCS (high carbon steel), HSS, Bimetallic alloy.

  • Tungsten: toothless blades-one of its side is shielded with tungsten carbide material

  • Chrome vanadium

  • HCS: specially made to easily cut soft materials like wood fiberboard, soft plastics, and softwood.

3. Cutting Blade Style

Jigsaws are compatible with U- or T –shank blades. Nevertheless, T-shank blades are more familiar to carpenters since they contain an easy-lock mechanism that incorporates most jigsaw designs. In contrast, U-shank blades stand out due to their U shape design at the top of the blade. Different shapes or designs will require a specific type of shank blade.  

What Is The Best Material For A Good Jigsaw Blade For Woodworking?

The most popular jigsaw blades comprise upward-facing teeth-these blades cut in an upward rhythm. When cutting, these blades eject the sawdust chips from atop, which allow the dust to collect in a dust extractor located on the tool's back.

Furthermore, this design results in thicker cuts towards the surface's top. If possible, though, the cut is traceable on the surface's underside (less accuracy) or put on the adhesive where you cut.

Alternatively, some jigsaw blades are double tooth models and down cut blades. These, however, need a little training before use.

Best Woodworking blades

The most flexible and popular jigsaw blades for wood are the wide-toothed milled, ground, or set or straight blades featuring a standard length extending to 150 mm. ideally, the larger the blade’s tooth pitch (total teeth per inch or cm), the larger the output.

The two-sided tooth offset (setting) is vital for the overall yield but generates hefty sawdust. Wide jigsaw blades are commonly used to make straight cuts-especially cutting worktops and carpentry etc. if your project involves cutting circles and curves, scroll saw blades are essential. You'll instantly spot them due to their notable forward-facing teeth and thin shape.

Best Jigsaws for Woodworking Picks

There are many different types and models of jigsaws. To help you get an ideal fit, here are the best jigsaws for woodcutting on the market.

1. Best for Woodworking—DeWALT DW317K Jigsaw

The DW317K model from the reputable brand DEWALT embodies and even surpasses the brand's stellar reputation. The Dewalt DW317K is your best option to handle regular woodworking projects accurately and efficiently.

First, Dewalt offers a modern level-action clamp for easy and quick jigsaw blade change. Since it is keyless, it allows you to easily switch cutting blades without reciprocating the shaft or touching the blade.

This woodworking jigsaw comes with a potent 5.5-amp motor and 4-orbital action to enable this power tool to slice through varied materials swiftly and efficiently. What's more, its variable speed settings offer a cutting speed ranging from 0-1300 spm (strokes/minute).

For the quality and price, the DW317K model is a fantastic, robust, professional woodworking tool that essentially can take the abuse of regular pro use.

 2. Best Value—PORTER-CABLE 7-Speed/6-Amp Jigsaw

Decently priced at around $60, the Porter-Cable Jigsaw is a pocket-friendly and practical tool for woodworking projects. Besides its efficiency and reliability, it packs an incredible and extensive array of unique features.

This fantastic Jigsaw is characterized by a 7-set speed dial function that renders it a versatile tool for diverse use and an exclusive lock-on button that affords a smooth cutting experience even for lengthy applications. Ideally, cutting-shaped cuts will never feel any more straightforward than when you are using this Jigsaw.

Furthermore, this woodworking jigsaw comes with a modern quad orbital appliance compatible with multiple materials. Top this up with its 6 amp motor, and you have a reliable power tool with precise and smooth cutting ability.

Finally, this Jigsaw is well balanced and is conveniently equipped with a speed control switch that makes your maneuvers while working an easy and satisfactory process, especially when you see the result!

Summary

From selecting the ideal jigsaw blade for woodworking to finally cutting and evaluating whether it’s the ideal option, buying the best jigsaw blade for wood isn’t a walk in the park. If you want the best woodworking jigsaw blades, these few tips and some of the best jigsaws for woodworking models currently available will give you a clear idea of what to expect.

Good Luck!

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